The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-11-16

Tho School Law.

HICKORY, Miss-, Oct. 20, 1887.
As the time for the Legislature to meet
approaches, the school teachers OF the
State, and the people generally, are becom-
ing more solicitous about the course that
body viii pursue in reference to the pres
ent school law. wish TO cay that vast
number of the people of East Mississippi
are greatly dissatisfied with several fea-
lures OF this law which the last Legisla-
ture enacted. / do not, however, intend
to speak for the people, nor do propose
TO offer in this article any amendments 20
the law, or suggest what changes should be
made ; but | hope to open a discussion
upon subject with which the next Legis-
lature must deal, and must settle in man.
ner that will be more satisfactory to the
voters of the State.
The law, as it now stands, designates the
first Mondays in November and June for
the public term of school to begin, which
is a feature Objectionable, because it as
sumes that the people do not know when
their school should commence, and because
it deprives the people of the privilege OF
having their school taught at time which
will suit the majority of the patrons.
believe that the term should be, as far
as practicable, run in Continuous SEES
sion," but there are many things which
may happen, and do happen to prevent 1t
from being run as the laweprovides. Ii
the school begins in June, large number
of children cannot enter until the farm
work OF the summer months is completed,
which will not be before the first of July !;
hence they lose the first month of the term.
About the first of September, these chill
dren must quit school and return to their
labor on the farm, losing in all two
months of the public term. / have taught
one summer term, and l have noticed sew
eral other schools, and in all of them /
find that such is the case
Some argue that the schools should be
taught during the winter. l am of the
same opinion. /, too, think winter the
more suitable season for both teachers and
pupils, and l assert that nearly ali the
schools would be taught then if the several
schools could secure teachers Within my
knowledge there ale several communities
vices of teachers, but they have awaited
| nothing. Hence, l say thatthe mode Of
examination is another Objectionable fea-
ture, and should be changed. / give it as
my opinion, unhesitatingly, that the exam
| nations OF the past scholastic year as sent
out by the State Superintendent, are not
| by any means a test of scholarship or of
that competency which should character
| ize successful instructor. As good teach
ers as the country affords, teachers who
have been employed in only one commu-
| nifty for several years, and who are gradu-
ates of worthy institutions of learning,
| failed to stand these examinations. The
people want these teachers to take charge
OF their schools, but they have no certih
cate. When they applied to the County
| Superintendent for license, they failed to
name three or four rivers in Michigan, or
had forgotten some OF the names of the
lakes in Maine. Tell man that he must,
IN given time-say thirty minutes
answer half-1ozen unreasonable ques-
tlons, he will often answer Incorrectly,
though he knows the correct answer. |
| admit that, under the old law many un-
qualified teachers were thrown upon the
people, and 1 am in favor of qualified and
educated teachers, but it must be admitted
| that the present law will never accomplish
what Was lacking In the old law.
These are my views, and l hope that
some one will offer remedies for what |
| conceive to be evils. The Legislature will,
| no douot, know its business when il meets
| next January, but at the same time,
oplne that that body would like to know
| the sentiments of the people upon these
subjects before it attempts further legisla-
ton. Yours truly,